Chocks & Driptrays

by Stanley Newton
Experiences of an RAF Flight Mechanic in the UK, India and Pakistan 1946-56

In this enjoyable and informative memoir, Stanley Newton recalls his experiences as an Airframe Fitter in the Royal Air Force in the postwar 1940s/50s.

The book’s title will be a familiar phrase to any former RAF ground crew personnel, being the last order given at the end of the day when flying was over and all the aircraft had been pushed into the hangar to be bedded down for the night.

The narrative takes us from Stan’s earliest memories of Sir Alan Cobham’s barnstorming air displays, which inspired his lifelong interest in aviation, through his wartime apprenticeship with Blackburn Aircraft Limited to his ten years in the RAF from 1946-56.

Though principally concerned with aviation in its various aspects, Stan digresses frequently to describe events, personalities and places which had a bearing on his career in aviation. In particular, his colourful experiences during overseas postings to India and Pakistan, which coincided with the end of British rule, are recounted in detail.

There are also reports of many humorous happenings, a true ghost story and various out-of-the-ordinary occurrences to provide light relief.

The text is illuminated by the author's excellent illustrations of various aircraft of the day.